"Candide’s rustic, romantic dining room, with rough-hewn tables lit by flickering candlelight, will heat up date night. As will the all-natural wine list, and Italian-accented dishes grilled over the white coals of a binchotan or on the rotisserie in the open kitchen. The charred broccoli is the signature starter and a total umami bomb tossed with anchovy butter, parmesan, and buckwheat. Depending on the season, split a slow-roasted pork shoulder with cheesy polenta, or dig into the roast chicken that rivals Mom’s. Vegetarians aren’t left in the lurch, as housemade gnocchi is frequently on the changing menu. Always end the night with the gelato-filled brioche—vanilla ice cream drips out of the warm enriched dough case with every spoonful." - emily monaco
